Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Mercier

Hi Dawn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

My journey into soapmaking began in 2007, fueled by my love for creative, science-driven activities like baking. However, it wasn’t until 2020, while I was recovering from cancer treatment that I truly decided to turn this passion into something bigger. Starting Bathena became a crucial part of my recovery process by offering me both a creative outlet and a renewed sense of purpose as I focused on building something meaningful. Starting this business during my recovery was a turning point in my life, and today Bathena stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of giving back.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Starting a business definitely comes with its challenges, and I’ve had plenty of “learning moments” along the way. It took me some time to figure out what my customers really love and how to anticipate trends, especially since cold-process soap takes about a month to cure, which makes reacting to trends tricky.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to be more cautious and thoughtful when it comes to spending money on materials or equipment. Not every deal is a good one, and I learned that the hard way earlier this year. We were excited to be offered equipment, packaging, and raw materials from a local soap business that had recently closed. Without asking enough questions, we jumped on it, only to find out that most of the oils were expired. It was a big setback, but we were determined to handle it responsibly. We ended up selling or donating what we could, including sending barrels of oil to a biodiesel producer in Portland.

Despite these bumps in the road, I’m still optimistic and feel that each experience has taught me something valuable. These lessons will definitely help guide our decisions moving forward.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

At Bathena, we specialize in crafting handmade, luxury self-care products, including soap, body scrubs, bath bombs, and candles. Our focus is on creating high-quality products that not only pamper our customers but also give back to the community. For every item we sell, we donate to Hygiene 4 All PDX, a local charity supporting houseless individuals, which is something we are deeply committed to as a business.

What sets us apart is our dedication to sustainability and community. We strive to source materials locally whenever possible, supporting other small businesses and reducing our environmental footprint. Additionally, we take pride in the care and craftsmanship that goes into every product, from the quality ingredients to the unique designs. Our customers appreciate that they’re getting something special, both in terms of the product itself and the positive impact their purchase has.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the brand recognition we’ve built. The brand strengthens our identity and connects us with people who value self-care and social responsibility. Knowing that Bathena is not only offering luxurious products but also contributing to meaningful change is what motivates me every day.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

Growing up, my parents and I moved around quite a bit before eventually settling in Texas. The constant change meant I had to adapt to new environments often, which made me a bit of an introverted kid. I spent a lot of my time reading, and books became a constant companion, helping me develop a deep love for learning and exploring new ideas. I was always curious, and reading offered an escape and a way to explore the world, even when everything else around me was in flux.

In high school, I found my place on the swim team, which brought some much-needed stability into my life. Swimming gave me a sense of structure and discipline, qualities that have stayed with me ever since. The routine of practice, the challenge of competition, and the camaraderie with teammates provided a grounding experience during those years.

My path to higher education was not a straight line. I went to college a few different times, taking breaks and exploring different directions before eventually graduating with honors from the University of Texas at Dallas in December 2007. The experience of navigating these twists and turns taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and resilience. More importantly, it reinforced the idea that everyone’s journey is different, and it’s okay to take the time you need to find your own path. Achieving that degree felt all the more rewarding because of the challenges along the way, and it shaped my outlook on life and business moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Bathena.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ShopBathena/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopBathena/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ShopBathena

Image Credits

Jack Burton https://www.instagram.com/jjbsays/
JP Bogan https://www.instagram.com/jpbogan_/